Good California schools for a nursing major?

I'm starting to think about colleges and I'm really interested in studying nursing. What are some good schools in California that offer strong nursing programs? If you have any personal experience or know someone who attended, I'd love to hear about it.

There are indeed several excellent colleges in California that offer strong nursing programs. Each of these institutions emphasizes both classroom and hands-on learning, providing students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills they'll need in their nursing careers.

1. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): Their School of Nursing is comprised of both undergraduate and graduate divisions. Its highly competitive Bachelor of Science program offers students strong foundational skills in the field of nursing. Admission is quite competitive, and admission rates hover well below 20%.

2. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF): While UCSF does not have an undergraduate nursing program, it is still worth mentioning as it's often ranked among the top graduate nursing schools in the nation.

3. San Diego State University (SDSU): The School of Nursing at SDSU is well-regarded and offers a highly competitive traditional BSN program. They also offer RN to BSN and LVN to RN programs which might be more suitable if you're already in the field.

4. California State University, Fullerton (CSUF): CSUF has a strong School of Nursing that offers a variety of nursing-related degrees, including a traditional BSN program.

5. University of San Francisco (USF): USF offers an intensive and rigorous direct-entry nursing program. Their Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provides comprehensive education experience and positions graduates well for a wide range of roles within healthcare.

6. Loma Linda University: It offers a broad range of nursing programs - from baccalaureate to doctoral levels. Admissions into these programs can be competitive, so it's crucial to have strong academic records and extracurricular experiences that show your dedication to nursing.

Remember, when choosing a nursing program, factors beyond curriculum and rankings should also be considered. These can include internships, clinical rotations, lab facilities, faculty experiences, class sizes, community partnerships, and more. Take time to research and consider these various factors and see which university aligns best with your career aspirations and learning style. Visiting the school or reaching out to current students or faculty can also give you a great sense of what each program is like. Good luck with your college search!